David Baddiel, Konnie Huq and Paul Smith to host The Penguin Podcast

An intimate fortnightly conversation with authors and the five objects that inspired their books

Comedian David Baddiel, Maxïmo Park frontman Paul Smith and presenter Konnie Huq are joining The Penguin Podcast as its new hosts, inviting a show-stopping line-up of authors including Johnny Marr, Zadie Smith and Tom Fletcher to join them at Penguin Studios for a lively and intimate conversation with five objects that inspired and shaped their books.

Guided by these five objects, listeners hear directly from guest authors about the ideas and experiences behind their books, the previously untold backstories to their plots and themes, and enjoy extracts from their latest audiobook in each brilliantly unique episode, broadcast once per fortnight.

David, Paul and Konnie join Richard E.Grant who has interviewed authors from Kate Atkinson to Meera Syal to Elvis Costello over the past year, and seen objects from a gammon steak to Bill Bryson’s passport brought to the studio.

The Penguin Podcast is a perfect destination for listeners and lovers of fiction and non-fiction who want to hear the stories behind the stories from their favourite authors. It has amassed over 500,000 listens in the past year and been named a 2016 Honoree in the Best Podcast category of The Webby’s Awards.

In the next episode (available on iTunes on 16th November), award-winning musician Johnny Marr takes listeners on a journey through his captivating new memoir, Set The Boy Free, via a £20 note, his Fender Jaguar and T-Rex’s “Jeepster” 7” single, and more.

David Baddiel, host of The Penguin Podcast, said: “Listeners, and especially fans of Johnny Marr, are in for a treat in this episode. It was great talking to Johnny about his new book Set The Boy Free for the Penguin Podcast. He also very kindly let me play guitar with him, which was a musical highlight for me. And no doubt a comedy highlight for Johnny.”

Hannah Telfer, Audio MD, Penguin Random House UK, added: “With more and more people listening to audiobooks and podcasts, The Penguin Podcast is brilliant way to reach diverse audiences and raise awareness of our authors and their books. It’s the perfect podcast for anyone who loves books and the magical experience of being read to and we are delighted to introduce three new hosts who each bring a unique voice and passion for books.”